Lil´ Kim is one of the most successful and celebrated rappers in the business, as well as one of the most intriguing and glamorous stars in entertainment. Now, she´s starring in her own reality series, and no channel is better suited than BET to bring Lil´ Kim's story to the small screen. LIL´ KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN is a new half-hour series that vividly chronicles the petite rapper´s last two weeks of freedom before surrendering herself to federal authorities. This six-episode docu-drama is produced in collaboration with Edmonds Entertainment and Queen Bee Entertainment, premiering on Thursday, March 9 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT.
BET´s cameras were allowed full access to Lil´ Kim, her entourage and family before she headed off to a maximum-security prison in Pennsylvania. Sent there on a conviction for false testimony to a federal grand jury about a shootout involving members of her posse outside a New York City radio station, Lil´ Kim was sentenced to one year and a day for protecting friends involved in the 2001 incident. Lil´ Kim´s loyalty proved to be a costly lesson - one that Kim, her closest friends and associates will discuss in this series.
"We take an unblinking look at her life and her choices, and the consequences of those choices," says BET President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin. "We do not turn away from the hard truth of what´s going on."
Is Kimberly Jones a victim, a soldier or a fool for refusing to break the "no snitching" code of the streets? Watch, and then decide for yourself, offers Hudlin.
Over the course of fourteen unforgettable days, BET viewers ride along with the rap diva and fashion icon as she sorts out her business and legal affairs, makes her last few public appearances to promote her new CD, shoots a video, attends fashion week, shops, hits the party scene and says goodbye to friends and family before turning herself over to authorities. Viewers witness Lil´ Kim, the superstar, making the physical transformation to becoming Kimberly Jones - peeling off the layers of hair extensions, acrylic nails, false eyelashes and stage make-up. The cameras also capture her private moments as Lil´ Kim attempts to come to grips with who she is and where she´s headed. This remarkable journey is set to a soundtrack punctuated by the hypnotic grooves and skillfully-delivered rhymes from Lil´ Kim´s latest critically-acclaimed disc, THE NAKED TRUTH, in stores now.
"I´ve always been fascinated by Lil´ Kim," says executive producer Tracey Edmonds, who pitched the project to BET. "She´s such a dynamic female, on so many different levels. She´s a businesswoman. She´s a recording icon. She´s a fashion icon. Seeing everything she was trying accomplish, preparing to go away, and being so strong ... it was really fascinating to spend time with her for two weeks on this roller coaster ride."
Also joining Lil´ Kim on the journey is a colorful cast of characters including her legal team, manager, personal assistants, family and other members of her close-knit inner circle. They´re all trying to deal with what´s ahead for Kim and the impact on their lives of her imminent absence. By the time this series concludes, each will have helped viewers gain a whole new perspective on the diminutive, but larger-than-life rapper known as Lil´ Kim.
Comprising the cast is:
Hillary - "The Manager"
This former manager of the Notorious B.I.G. is no-nonsense, no-frills, and doesn´t play when it comes to managing the hectic career of Lil´ Kim. Often described by members of Kim´s entourage as a "bitch", she is the glue that holds Kim´s professional and personal life together.
Londell - "The Attorney"
He may have a corner office overlooking Manhattan and be part owner of an NBA franchise, but the Brooklyn native maintains an enviable balance of book and street smarts. A prominent entertainment attorney (not criminal attorney) whose famous clients include Prince, Stevie Wonder and Spike Lee, Londell is well known for protecting artist´s rights. Kim looks up to him not only as her entertainment attorney and business manager, but as a big brother - and he protects her like family.
La La - "The Cousin"
La La is that family member everyone has, but tries to keep under wraps. Kim´s cousin La La is a Brooklyn-born spitfire who doesn´t mince words and has no fear. Deeply devoted to helping Kim during her last days of freedom, La La´s role as Kim´s personal assistant is getting in the way of her obligations at home to her husband and kids.
Gene - "The A&R Exec"
Although Gene is the A&R executive for "Queen Bee Records," his opinions on upcoming talent and music extend far beyond his title. Whether it´s his thoughts on how to publicize Kim, Nate´s acumen or Kirk´s attitude, Gene has an opinion on everything. And he has no trouble vocalizing those opinions out loud, with plenty of expletives.
Tracy - "The Publicist"
Tracy is all over the place as Kim´s publicist - negotiating photo shoot schedules, clearing all questions for Kim to answer behind the scenes at music shows and radio stations, down to approving Kim´s wardrobe. She always ensures that Kim looks and sounds good in person and in the media.
Nate - "The Personal Assistant"
Young and committed to making Kim happy, Nate is the over-zealous, former "Queen Bee" intern who hung around long enough to get on the payroll. Nate´s side projects sometimes get in the way of doing his job well, but He has Kim's best interest at heart.
Kirk - "The Music Video Director"
They call him "Kirk Lee" (a reference to Spike Lee). Upon realizing that she hates the video to her first single, "Lighter´s Up," Kim quickly taps Kirk to direct not one, but three music videos for her in two weeks. This is a huge break and challenge for someone who has never directed a music video before. Kirk is a classic case of being in the right place at the right time, but some folks wonder if he can pull it off.
LIL´ KIM: COUNTDOWN TO LOCKDOWN is an up-close-and-personal look inside the life of a controversial public icon and rap star. But, underneath the high-glam exterior is Kimberly Jones, a girl from the streets of Brooklyn. This groundbreaking reality series reveals the person behind the facade.
"You'll have a chance to really get a more intimate perspective on Kim, who she is and what her values are," Edmonds added. "She´s not one to be underestimated. She has a lot of integrity. There were a lot of reasons why she made the decision that she did, and she was strong about facing the consequences and paying the price for it."
